Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We sought it before the summer, and there has been correspondence between the Garda and this committee since August 2017, after the issue arose in July. We are thorough in following through on previous commitments. At this stage we will allow a few minutes for this topic. There is general agreement not to stray into the work of the Charleton tribunal or matters that are not within the remit of the committee.

I would like to welcome the acting Garda Commissioner, Dónall Ó Cualáin, Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy, Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, chief administrative officer, Mr. Joe Nugent, Mr. John Barrett, executive director of human resources and people development, Mr. Seán Murphy, head of estate management and Assistant Commissioner Eugene Corcoran. From the Department of Justice and Equality we are joined by Mr. Noel Waters, Secretary General, and Mr. John O’Callaghan, assistant secretary. Mr. George Trimble also joins us.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off. That means putting them on to flight mode.

I wish to advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity, by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

So, in relation to the recruitment process and costs associated with the Charleton Tribunal, members are invited to make a quick comment on it. If there are no questions we will move on straight away, but if there are questions they are to be limited, very tight and very short.